Q: Can I ride an e-bike in a Maricopa County regional park?

A:

Effective January 1, 2019:

The Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department began adhering to ARS 28-819 when it comes to e-bikes. The statute states:

A: An operator of an electric bicycle is granted all the rights and privileges and is subject to all of the duties of a person riding a bicycle. Except as otherwise provided in this section, an electric bicycle is subject to the same provisions of this title as a bicycle.

B: An electric bicycle is not subject to the provisions of this title relating to certificates of title, registration, vehicle license tax, driver licenses or vehicle insurance.

C: Beginning January 1, 2019, manufacturers and distributors of electric bicycles shall apply a label that is permanently affixed, in a prominent location, to each electric bicycle. The label shall contain the classification number, top assisted speed and motor wattage of the electric bicycle and shall be printed in at least nine-point type.

TRAILS:

D: A class 1 electric bicycle or a class 2 electric bicycle may be used on bicycle and multiuse paths. A local authority or agency of this state having jurisdiction over a bicycle or multiuse path may prohibit the operation of a class 1 electric bicycle or class 2 electric bicycle on the path.

"Class 1 electric bicycle" means a bicycle or tricycle that is equipped with an electric motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle or tricycle reaches the speed of twenty miles per hour.

"Class 2 electric bicycle" means a bicycle or tricycle that is equipped with an electric motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle or tricycle and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle or tricycle reaches the speed of twenty miles per hour.

ROADWAYS:

E: A class 3 electric bicycle may not be operated on a bicycle or multiuse path unless it is within or adjacent to a highway or roadway or unless the local authority or agency of this state having jurisdiction over the path allows the operation.

"Class 3 electric bicycle" means a bicycle or tricycle that is equipped with an electric motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle or tricycle reaches the speed of twenty-eight miles per hour.

Q: When do you offer guided hikes?

Q: What will we see on these guided hikes?

A:

There are several types of hikes offered; some emphasize the prehistoric Native American ruins and the petroglyph sites. Other hikes focus on birds, reptiles, plants, washes and riparian communities. Guided hikes typically have a difficulty rating of moderate. The average hike is 1 - 3 hours long with a distance of 1 - 3 miles. Hikers should be in moderate to good physical condition.

Q: Why do I have to take a guided hike to see the archaeological sites?

Q: Can I access the Tonto National Forest via Maricopa County Parks?

A:

Yes. Within Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area, Spur Cross Trail / SR Trails; within Usery Mountain Regional Park, the Wind Cave Trail can be used for non-motorized access to the Tonto National Forest. If you plan to hike north on the forest, you should leave a responsible person aware of your hiking plans. A compass and map for the area is recommended for all hikers.

Q: Why can't I drive my Jeep off-road in a Maricopa County Park?

A:

All Maricopa County park trails are limited to non-motorized vehicle use. As one might imagine the danger involved in permitting motorized vehicles on the same trails used by pedestrians, bicyclists, and equestrians.

Q: Is hunting allowed in Maricopa County Parks?

Q: Is metal detecting / recreational prospecting allowed in any of the County parks?

A:

No, metal detecting is NOTallowed in the parks because you may not stray off of the trails or dig/remove anything from the parks. Straying off trail, and removing items from any of the parks violates Park Rules R-109 and R-118.

Q: Will I be able to walk around with my class on our own prior to or at the conclusion of our programs?

Q: Where does our class go when we arrive?

A:

Your school guide will meet you in the bus zone. If you are arriving by car, your school guide will meet you at the flagpoles adjacent to the parking lot. From there you will enter the building and proceed to the multi-purpose room where your rangers will meet you and explain the events of the day and go over the rules.

Q: Where do we eat?

A:

Most groups eat meals in our multi-purpose room which serves as a meeting area and dining hall. Other groups prefer to take advantage of the scenery and eat outside in the amphitheater or patio. We ask that you do not bring glass containers, try to keep food tidbits from falling to the ground and attracting critters, and be sure to pick up any trash.

Q: Where can we store cold food or drinks?

Q: Can we cook our food there?

A:

A propane grill is available free of charge, and you must bring your own grilling tools. Also a commercial kitchen is available for a fee if your group is large or you hire a caterer. If you reserve the kitchen at least one member of your group must hold a current food handlers card.

Q: Will any or all of the classes be outdoors?

Q: What do the programs entail?

A:

Programs are themed activities that provide highly interactive and hands-on experiences. Rangers lead students through a series of engaging activities, culminating in an experience designed to support the program theme. Students are divided into groups and develop a meaningful rapport with several rangers throughout the day. For a complete list of programs click here.

Q: Do the programs meet Arizona Academic Standards?

Q: Who teaches classes?

A:

All classes are taught by highly qualified full-time interpretive rangers who have been with Maricopa County Parks & Recreation Department for an extensive period. They are specialists in engaging people, especially children, in an assortment of cultural and natural history topics as well as fun and recreational endeavors.

Q: How long are the classes?

Q: I have made arrangements for a “full day.” Does this mean I can get more than 5 classes if there’s time?

A:

If you book for a full day, it means that you have reserved the facility until 4:30p.m. (half days, 12:30 p.m.). There are three classes in a half day, and five with an extended break in a full day. Our experience has demonstrated that learning tapers off significantly after five of our classes. If buses are late we suggest a class hike or some outdoor activity to occupy fidgety students.

Q: What happens if the bus arrives late in dropping us off?

Q: What can we do if the buses are late in picking us up?

A:

Sometimes groups must wait for pick up after their classes are finished. We do have a TV/DVD/VCR available for use, as well as some educational videos. Or you may choose to take your students on an exercise hike.

Q: Can individuals, such as parents or principals, come in during the day while the students are in classes?

A:

Yes. However, we are a closed campus with a locked gate for your student’s safety. Individuals entering separate from the group should have the gate code from the lead teacher, and immediately check in at the office upon arrival.

Q: I teach students with special needs, can I sign them up for a program?

A:

Yes, for groups of 10 or more students. Review the program descriptions and recommended grade levels to determine which tour would best meet the needs of your students then discuss your choices with our rangers. They are trained to adapt tours to meet the abilities and interests of the group. Please let us know when you make your reservation if you have students with special needs so we can better plan to accommodate them.

Q: What do we do to ‘check-in’ if we are an overnight group?

A:

Our camp hosts and/or receptionist will direct you where to put your gear and food then walk you through the dorms and kitchen, going over rules and facility operations, and expectations for check-out.

Q: Are we allowed to go on a hike by ourselves?

Q: Will we be able to go down to the lake?

A:

Our loop trail does NOT go down to the lake, but there is a separate trail that accesses our pier in Honeymoon Cove that is available only for groups that are accompanied by DOC Staff. Unauthorized access to the lake is strictly prohibited.

Q: What about dangerous animals?

A:

Since the DOC is located in a rural setting, wild animals are occasionally encountered. We stress that visitors keep their distance and not try to approach, feed, or handle any wild animal. If there is a potential hazard, see any ranger for assistance.

Q: Do you have a first-aid office?

A:

We do not have a designated first-aid office, and there is not a nurse on staff. We have basic supplies available, and the DOC staff has current first-aid and CPR training. If your group has individuals with special medical needs please bring a medical staff.

Q: Is there seating in your outdoor amphitheater?

Q: Is there a gift shop?

A:

Yes, we have a gift shop that offers a variety of souvenirs, beverages, snacks, and desert-themed items. You should arrange with a ranger to have gift shop time in your class schedule if your group is interested in shopping. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Q: We have a small group of people. Can we still make a reservation?

Q: If I book my wedding or event at the Desert Outdoor Center (DOC) is alcohol allowed?

A:

Only beer, wine or malt beverages (like wine coolers) are permitted. They must be served by a designated bar-tender into plastic containers and in a designated area. Group serving alcohol must obtain a special-use permit, applications for which are available through our receptionist.

Q: What forms of payment do you accept?

Q: How soon do I have to have the money in?

A:

The reservation fee is due 30 days upon receipt of the invoice. The reservation fee is a separate fee that is nontransferable, nonrefundable, and does not apply toward your visit. The payment for your visit is due in 30 days from the date of your visit.

Volunteers

Q: ​How do I become a community volunteer or park host?

Q: What do volunteers do?

A:

There are many ways to serve as a volunteer in the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department. Volunteers help by assisting the thousands of visitors who come to the parks each year by helping out in the Nature Centers, Entry Stations, and along the trails. Additionally, many volunteers who can’t commit to a monthly schedule will support the parks at a special work day.

Q: Is there a minimum time commitment?

Episodic volunteers serve a few hours on special days of service or trail work days.

Community Volunteers serve on a regular basis and are scheduled weekly to monthly.

Park Hosts are required to serve a minimum of 40 hours per week in exchange for use of a complimentary camp site, access to water, and electricity. Additionally, they are required to serve for a minimum of 5 months.

Q: Can anyone volunteer?

A:

For adults: Park hosts and Community Volunteer positions require a criminal background check.

For teens: the minimum age to volunteer as an individual is 13. Those aged 13-17 must fill out an application and participate in an interview. Also, their parents or guardians need to sign an agreement form on their behalf.

Volunteers younger than 12: Same requirements as for teens. However, it is also required that youth be paired up with an adult either from their extended family or as recommended by their parents or legal guardian.

Unpaid Interns: Interns are treated as volunteers and are subject to the same policies and procedures of the volunteer program. Internships usually have very different expectations, are more in-depth, and require a more structured workload.

Q: Groups projects?

A:

If your community organization or corporate group would like to volunteer on a special project, please contact the volunteer coordinator and provide date, park, and type of project the group would like to assist with.